Humor: This play is a comedy and uses comedy as a mask to hide the deeper critical meaning. It seems lighthearted but actually delves into Victorian life and how superficial it is.
Irony in the Title: ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is a pun. In the play, it is important for both Jack and Algernon to stay in the character of ‘Earnest’ for their ladies to love them. But also, at the end the truth comes out and Jack learns the importance of being earnest, as in honest. The double meaning conveys a sense of duality in all Victorian life.
Setting: The comedy takes place in the city and in the country. Algernon creates a fake identity to leave the city and Jack creates one to leave the country. They do this because they are not content with their lives. This reveals content does not come from the world but from within. It also shows how foolish the practice of a double life is, as it was a common practice in Victorian society.
Deus ex machina: At the end of the play, all of the characters easily forgive each other and by chance, Jack discovers he has a family and is wealthy and all the people in love get married without any complications. The ending makes it more acceptable and enjoyable to the Victorian viewer.
Irony in the Title: ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ is a pun. In the play, it is important for both Jack and Algernon to stay in the character of ‘Earnest’ for their ladies to love them. But also, at the end the truth comes out and Jack learns the importance of being earnest, as in honest. The double meaning conveys a sense of duality in all Victorian life.
Setting: The comedy takes place in the city and in the country. Algernon creates a fake identity to leave the city and Jack creates one to leave the country. They do this because they are not content with their lives. This reveals content does not come from the world but from within. It also shows how foolish the practice of a double life is, as it was a common practice in Victorian society.
Deus ex machina: At the end of the play, all of the characters easily forgive each other and by chance, Jack discovers he has a family and is wealthy and all the people in love get married without any complications. The ending makes it more acceptable and enjoyable to the Victorian viewer.